Petit Village 2018 (750ML)

90-92+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Yields are down this year at Petit Village. They had a little coulure and battled a serious attack of mildew. Later, winds from the north dehydrated some fruit. In the end, they came in at 35 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Petit Village springs from the glass with bold expressions of warm plums, Black Forest cake, black raspberries and kirsch plus hints of rose petals, chocolate box and spearmint. The palate is full and generously fruited with a firm frame of rounded tannins that have just a bit of chew, finishing with soft-spoken freshness and fragrance." 4/19

91 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "This Pomerol estate just outside Catusseau was acquired from AXA Millésimes by the Moulin family in the summer of 2020; they had previously purchased Château Beauregard in 2014. I spoke to winemaker Diana Berrouet-Garcia via Zoom, and she explained how they are currently reorganizing the vineyard, replanting some parcels that have been affected by virus with slower-ripening rootstock and clones, and introducing Cabernet Franc through massal selection. The 2018 Petit Village was raised in 40% new oak and 5% aged in three amphorae (demi-muids were introduced for the 2020 vintage to age the Cabernet Franc). This has a ripe nose of black cherries, tobacco and light pencil box aromas. It unfurls nicely in the glass, although it does not achieve the complexity of the top-performing Pomerols. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and touches of charcoal infusing the black fruit. A little angular toward the finish, but there is plenty of freshness and tension. This Pomerol should drink well for 12–18 years." 03/21

90-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Petit-Village offers striking depth and textural richness, all in a mid-weight style that is undeniably appealing. Dark red cherry, tobacco and cedar add nuance, with an added touch of savory complexity from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The finish is a bit tight at present. Hopefully élevage will take care of that. Half of the estate is farmed biodynamically. Yields are 23 hectoliters per hectare, which is about a third less than normal. Mildew was an issue, but according to Technical Director Diana Berrout-Garcia the drying northerly winds were an even more determining factor in reducing the crop. The blend is 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon." 4/19

96 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Black cherry, clove, cedar and dried earth on the nose. Some vanilla and licorice. It’s medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Some wet earth. Polished and layered, with wonderful freshness, too. Very tight now. Better from 2025." 01/21

92 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Dark plum and blackberry compote flavors fill this out nicely, while licorice, sweet spice and black tea notes glide in on the back end. Warm stone hint through the finish gives it the slightly austere spine of the vintage. Solidly built. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2034. 2,500 cases made." 03/21

92-94 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: "This dense wine is richly structured by firm black-fruit flavors. It has a solid core that is concentrated yet balanced by a fine freshness that is typical of the vintage." 4/19

93 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "This is a bigger vintage than some years at Petit-Village, with an excellent balance and an impressive swagger, giving notes of pencil lead and liquorice through the mid palate that give it a fairly Left Bank feel. There is clear concentration here with raspberry fruits that have an attractive floral edge and an abundance of silky and plump tannins. They are HVE3 but not organic and had a yield still lower than usual at 23hl/ha due to mildew and difficult fruit set which meant extremely careful sorting was required. 40% new oak was used. Winemaker Dania Berrouet-Garcia." 3/19

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "Based on 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in 40% new French oak, the 2018 Château Petit Village performed even better from bottle than barrel and ranks with the finest vintages I've tasted from this estate. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as gorgeous damp earth, spice, and floral aromatics, it has sumptuous levels of black and blue fruits, nicely integrated oak, ripe, polished tannins, medium to full body, and outstanding length on the finish. This is classic Pomerol elegance and purity paired with plenty of richness and depth. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have two decades of overall longevity. Well worth seeking out, it's a beautiful Pomerol." 03/21